Kathmandu: The minimum wage of workers has been increased by Rs 2,250.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a meeting held between the government, employers, and trade unions on July 16 agreed to set the minimum wage at Rs 19,550 for the next two years. This decision was subsequently recommended to the government on July 17 and was published in the Nepal Gazette, the government’s official notice, on July 21.
As per Article 107 of the Labour Act, 2074, the minimum wages of workers are revised every two years. This adjustment marks the first instance of determining the minimum wage through a tripartite agreement. Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, highlighted the importance of consensus from all parties to ensure the effective implementation of the minimum wage.
Pradeep Koirala, Coordinator of the Minimum Wages Determination Committee and Joint-Secretary at the Labour Ministry, noted that the consensus was achieved through extensive consultation, coordination, and discussion. Similarly, Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), emphasized the necessity of consensus to maintain long-lasting labour relations, stating that it was acceptable to all parties through mutual flexibility.
Previously, the minimum wage was Rs 17,300.